Peach Tree Named &#39;BURPEACHTHIRTYFIVE&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree ( Prunus persica ), which is denominated varietally as ‘Burpeachthirtyfive’, and which produces an attractively colored white fleshed, freestone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately July 17 to July 23 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

BOTANICAL DESIGNATION

The present invention relates to a new, novel, and distinct variety of peach tree, ‘Prunus persica’

VARIETAL DENOMINATION

‘Burpeachthirtyfive’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present variety of peach tree resulted from an on-going program of fruit and nut tree breeding. The purpose of this program is to improve the commercial quality of deciduous fruit and nut varieties, and rootstocks, by creating and releasing promising selections of Prunus, Malus, Punica and Juglans species. To this end we make both controlled and hybrid cross pollinations each year in order to produce seedling populations from which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling, ‘Burpeachthirtyfive’ was originated by us, and selected from a population of seedlings growing in our experimental orchards which are located near Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, grown on their own roots, were derived from an unnamed white-fleshed, freestone peach tree, which was used as the seed parent, and the yellow-fleshed clingstone ‘Red Jim’ nectarine tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,518) and which was further used as the pollen parent. After a period of stratification, the derived seed was placed in the greenhouse by population, and then field planted for tree establishment, and ultimately to exhibit fruit for evaluation. One white fleshed peach seedling, which is the present variety, exhibited especially desirable characteristics, and was then designated as ‘E48.050’. This seedling was marked for subsequent observation. After the 2000 fruiting season, the new variety of peach tree was selected for advanced evaluation and repropagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of this new and distinct variety of peach tree was accomplished by budding the new peach tree onto ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (un-patented). This was performed by us in our experimental orchard which is located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations of these asexually reproduced plants have shown those asexual reproductions run true to the original tree. All characteristics of the original tree, and its fruit, were established, and appear to be transmitted through these succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

‘Burpeachthirtyfive’ is a new and distinct variety of peach tree, which is considered of medium-large size, and which further has a moderately vigorous growth characteristic. This new tree is also a regular and productive bearer of relatively large, firm, white-fleshed, freestone fruit which have a very good flavor, and eating qualities. This new peach tree has a medium chilling requirement of approximately 500 hours, and further produces relatively uniformly sized fruit throughout the tree's canopy. In addition to the foregoing, the fruit of the new peach tree also appears to have good handling and shipping qualities. The ‘Burpeachthirtyfive’ peach tree bears fruit which are typically ripe for commercial harvesting and shipment on approximately July 17 to July 23 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. In relative comparison to the ‘Summer Sweet’ peach tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,070), and which is the closest known variety, the new variety of peach tree bears fruit that ripen approximately one week or more later. Further, the current variety of peach tree produces fruit that maintains its displayed flesh firmness longer than does fruit which is produced by the ‘Summer Sweet’ peach tree. In relative comparison to the seed parent peach tree, the present variety exhibits 30-40% more external red blush than does the seed parent. Moreover, in relative comparison to the pollen parent, the ‘Red Jim’ nectarine tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,518), the pollen parent produces a yellow fleshed, clingstone, acidic nectarine, in comparison to the present new variety which produces a white fleshed, freestone, low acid peach.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing, which is provided, is a color photograph of the new peach tree variety. The photograph depicts two whole mature fruit viewed from the apical and basal aspects. One mature fruit is bisected transversely through the equatorial plane, and which reveals the flesh color, and stone characteristics thereof. The external coloration of the fruit as shown in the photograph is sufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment. Additionally, the photograph displays a sample vegetative shoot bearing typical leaves, and a typical stone with the flesh removed. The colors in these photographs are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type. Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may, or may not, be accurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason, future color references should be made to the color plates (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001), and the descriptions as provided, hereinafter.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely comply with the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, and does not constitute a commercial warranty, (either expressed or implied), that the present variety will in the future display all the botanical, pomological or other characteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, but not limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose, or non-infringement which is directed, in whole, or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of peach tree, the following has been observed during the tenth fruiting season, and under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards of the assignee which are located near the town of Fowler, county of Fresno, state of California. All major color code designations are by reference to the R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition, 2001) and which is provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Common color names are also occasionally used.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Generally considered medium to medium-large in its             growth pattern as compared to other common commercial peach             cultivars ripening in the late season of maturity. The tree             of the present variety was pruned to a height of             approximately 270.0 cm. to about 310.0 cm. at commercial             maturity.         -   Width.—Approximately 275.0 cm.         -   Vigor.—Considered moderately vigorous. The present peach             tree variety grew from about 170.0 cm. to about 180.0 cm. in             height during the first growing season. The new variety was             pruned to a height of approximately 150.0 cm. during the             first dormant season, and primary scaffolds were then             selected for the desired tree structure.         -   Productivity.—Productive. Fruit set varies from more than             the desired crop load, to levels higher than necessary for             commercial purposes, when the new variety is grown in a             suitable horticultural zone, and under appropriate             commercial nursery conditions. The resulting fruit set is             spaced, by thinning, to develop the remaining fruit into the             desired market-sized fruit. The number of the fruit set             varies with the prevailing climatic conditions, and the             cultural practices employed.         -   Fruit bearing.—Regular. Fruit set has been more than             adequate during the previous years of observation, and             thinning was necessary during the past 10 years on both the             original seedling, and on subsequent asexually reproduced             trees.         -   Tree form.—Upright, and pruned into a vase shape.         -   Density.—Considered moderately dense. It has been discovered             that pruning the branches from the center of the tree to             obtain a resulting vase shape allows for enhanced air             movement and appropriate amounts of sunlight to reach the             tree and which serves to improve the resulting fruit color,             and the renewal of fruiting wood throughout the tree.         -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in USDA             Hardiness Zone 9. The calculated winter chilling             requirements of the new tree is approximately 500 hours at a             temperature below 7.0 degrees C. The present variety appears             to be hardy under typical central San Joaquin Valley             climatic conditions. -   Trunk:     -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 19.5 cm in diameter when measured at             a distance of approximately 15.24 cm. above the soil level.             This measurement was taken at the end of the 10th growing             season.         -   Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, with numerous             folds of papery scarfskin being present. Since bark             development, and coloration change with advancing tree age             this characteristic varies with the tree vigor, tree age,             and the surrounding regional environmental conditions.             Therefore, this is not a dependable descriptor of the new             variety.         -   Lenticels.—Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The             lenticels range in size from approximately 4.0 millimeters             to about 6.0 mm. in width, and between about 1.0 and about             2.0 millimeters in height. The development and size of the             trunk lenticels can be influenced, to some degree, by the             ambient growing conditions, and are not, necessarily, a             dependable and distinguishing characteristic of this             variety. As trees of this variety mature, lenticels are             present, but they are generally covered by increasing layers             of cork (mature bark), and therefore become less apparent.         -   Lenticel color.—Considered an orange brown, (RHS             Greyed-Orange Group N167 C).         -   Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to             be a greyed brown, (RHS Grey Group 201 D). This bark             description was taken from trees in their seventh leaf which             have ruptured the scarf skin, and which also have developed             bark furrowing which is much more typical of the bark of             older trees. It should be noted that the coloration of the             bark is influenced, and varies, as the smoother, darker             background color approaches other bark features such as the             lenticels, and the initial fissures which form a feature of             the scarf skin development. -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the variety.         -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other peach tree varieties.             The branches have a diameter of about 13.0 centimeters when             measured during the 10th year after grafting.         -   Surface texture.—Average, and appearing furrowed on wood             which is several years old.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, and             are usually observed as growing at an angle of about 43 to             about 57 degrees when measured from a horizontal plane. This             characteristic can be influenced, to some degree, by tree             vigor, rootstock and other ambient cultural conditions.         -   Current season shoots.—Surface texture — Substantially             glabrous.         -   Internode length.—Approximately 2.3 cm.         -   Color of mature branches.—Grey brown, (RHS Grey Group 201             D).         -   Current seasons shoots.—Color. — Medium-light green, (RHS             Yellow-Green Group 146 A). The color of new shoot tips is             considered a bright and shiny green (RHS Yellow-Green Group             146 D). The vegetative shoot color can be significantly             influenced by plant nutrition, irrigation practices, and             exposure to sunlight, and therefore should not be considered             a consistent and distinguishable botanical characteristic of             this new variety. -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium-large for the species. Leaf             measurements have been taken from vigorous, upright,             current-season growth, at approximately mid-shoot. It should             be understood that the leaf size is often influenced by             prevailing growing conditions, quality of sunlight, and the             location of the leaf within the tree canopy. For this             reason, leaf sizes can vary significantly based upon the             ambient and other cultural factors listed above, and are not             typically considered a dependable or a distinguishable             botanical descriptor.         -   Leaf length.—Approximately 175.0 to about 180.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf width.—Approximately 32.0 to about 34.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf base-shape.—The leaves generally exhibit equal and             uniform marginal symmetry relative to the leaf longitudinal             axis.         -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.         -   Leaf tip form.—Acuminate.         -   Leaf color.—Upper Leaf Surface — Dark green, (approximately             RHS Yellow-Green Group 144 B).         -   Leaf texture.—Glabrous.         -   Leaf color.—Lower Leaf Surface — light to medium green,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 144 D).         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.         -   Mid-vein.—Color — Considered a light, yellow-green,             (approximately RHS Green-White Group 157 B) in the early to             mid-period of the growing season.         -   Leaf margins.—Gently undulating. Form. — Considered finely             crenate. Uniformity. — Considered generally uniform.         -   Leaf petioles.—Form. — Considered canaliculated, and having             a pronounced trough when viewed from the dorsal aspect. The             petiole margin is considered rounded when viewed from the             ventral aspect. Size. — Considered medium-small for the             species. Length. — About 8.0 to about 11.0 mm. Diameter. —             About 1.5 to about 2.0 mm. Color. — Light yellow green,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 144 B).         -   Leaf glands.—Size. — Considered small for the species;             approximately 1.5 mm. in length; and about 1.0 mm. in             height. Number. — Generally one to two glands per marginal             side are found. Observations of more than two glands per             marginal side are more uncommon. Type. — Glands located at             the base of the leaf are predominantly globose in shape.             Generally one gland per margin side are seen, occasionally 2             per side are observed. Color. — Considered a medium, light             brown, approximately (RHS Grey-Brown Group 199 B). Typically             the coloration of the glands darkens after the mid portion             of the season.         -   Leaf stipules.—Size. — Medium large for this variety.             Number. — Generally 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot             tip. Form. — Lanceolate in form, and having a serrated             marginal edge. Color. — Green, (approximately RHS Green             Group 139 B) when young, but graduating to a brown color,             (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 165 A) with advancing             senescence. The leaf stipules are generally considered to be             early deciduous. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Hardiness.—No winter injury (bud death) has been noted             during the last several years of observation in the central             San Joaquin Valley. The new variety of peach tree has not             been intentionally subjected to drought, cold or heat             stress, and therefore this information is not currently             available.         -   Flower bud.—Size — Variable, and dependent on the state of             maturity. The flower buds as described were observed             approximately 7 days prior to bloom.         -   Flower bud.—Length — Approximately 13.0 millimeters.         -   Flower bud.—Diameter — Approximately 9.5 millimeters.         -   Flower bud surface texture.—Pubescent.         -   Flower bud orientation.—Considered appressed, but they             further appear less so as the blossoms near opening.         -   Bud scale color.—Approximately RHS Greyed-Purple 187 A. -   Flowers:     -   -   Date of first bloom.—Observed on Feb. 17, 2013.         -   Blooming time.—Considered average in relative comparison to             other commercial peach cultivars grown in the central San             Joaquin Valley. The date of full bloom was observed on Feb.             22, 2013. The date of full bloom varies slightly with the             surrounding climatic conditions, and prevailing cultural             practices.         -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 8 days. This particular             characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic             conditions.         -   Flower class.—Considered a perfect flower, complete and             perigynous.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type             flower.         -   Flower size.—Considered medium. The flower diameter at full             bloom, is approximately 29.0 to 32.0 millimeters.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Normally two flower buds appear per             node, occasionally one flower bud per node is observed.         -   Petal size.—Generally considered medium for the species.             Petal Length. — Approximately 13.0 to 18.0 millimeters.             Petal Width. — Approximately 12.0 to 15.0 millimeters.         -   Petal form.—Considered broadly ovate.         -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.         -   Petal texture.—Glabrous.         -   Petal color.—Considered a light pink at the popcorn stage,             (RHS Red Group 49 A), and darkening with advanced             senescence, and with the exposure of sunlight, to a             medium-dark pink, (RHS Red 54 B).         -   Fragrance.—Slight.         -   Petal claw.—Form. — The claw is considered obovate, and is             generally medium-small in size when compared to other             varieties. Length. — Approximately 7.0 to 9.0 millimeters.             Width. — Approximately 6.0 to 7.0 millimeters.         -   Petal margins.—Generally considered variable, from nearly             smooth to moderately undulate and ruffled, especially             apically.         -   Petal apex.—Often the petal margin exhibits a small groove             at the tip. Length. — Approximately 1.0 millimeters Width. —             Approximately 1.0 millimeters.         -   Flower pedicel.—Length. — Considered medium-long with an             approximate length of about 1.0 to about 2.0 millimeters.             Diameter. — Approximately 1.5 millimeters. Color. — Color is             dependent on the pedicle maturity. Generally speaking, this             feature becomes darker as lignification advances. The flower             pedicel displays a medium brown color, approximately (RHS             Grey-Brown Group N199 D). Surface texture. — Glabrous.         -   Floral nectaries.—Color. — Considered a pale green             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group N144 D).         -   Calyx.—Surface Texture. — Generally glabrous. Color. — A             dull red, (approximately RHS Greyed-Purple Group 183 A).         -   Sepals.—Surface Texture. — The surface has a short, fine             pubescent texture. Number. — 5 sepals Size. — Average, and             ovate in form. Sepal Length. — Approximately 4.0 to 6.0             millimeters. Sepal Width. — Approximately 4.0 to 6.0             millimeters. Sepal Shape. — Generally obovate. Sepal Margin.             — Considered smooth and entire. Sepal Color. — A dull,             magenta, (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 181 C).         -   Anthers.—Generally. — Average in size. Color. — Red to             reddish-orange when viewed dorsally, and prior to             dehiscence, (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 179 A).         -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow             color, (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 17 B).         -   Fertility.—Self-fertile.         -   Filaments.—Size. — Approximately 13.0 to 16.0 millimeters in             length. Color. — Considered white to a pinkish-white, (RHS             Red Purple Group 62 D).         -   Pistil.—Number. — Usually one, and only rarely more than             one. Generally. — Large in size. Length. — Approximately             17.0 to about 19.5 millimeters in length, including the             ovary. Color. — Considered a very pale green, (approximately             RHS Yellow-Green Group 150 D). Surface Texture. — The             variety has a long pubescent pistil. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe condition (shipping             ripe).         -   Date of first picking.—Approximately Jul. 17, 2013. Date of             last picking. — Jul. 23, 2013. The date of harvest can vary             slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions and the             current cultural practices which are employed.         -   Size.—Generally — Considered large, and uniform.         -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 70.0 to about 78.0             millimeters.         -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 68.0 to about 76.0             millimeters.         -   Typical weight.—Approximately 215.0 grams. This             characteristic is quite dependent upon the prevailing             cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly             distinctive of the new variety.         -   Fruit form.—Generally — Considered round, and truncate. The             fruit is generally very uniform in symmetry.         -   Fruit suture.—No stitching exists along the suture line.         -   Suture.—Color — Generally, the fruit appears blushed to the             same degree as the skin, (approximately RHS Red Group 46 B).         -   Ventral surface.—Form — Quite even, and uniform in             appearance when it is viewed from the lateral, sutural             plane.         -   Apex.—Shape — Rounded to slightly retuse.         -   Base.—Shape — Generally smooth.         -   Stem cavity.—Generally — It extends in a rounded, circular             form which is generally considered uniform. The stem cavity             is rounded, but slightly extends toward the suture. The             average depth of the stem cavity is about 6.0 to 8.0 mm. The             average width of the stem cavity is about 27.0 mm. The             average length of the stem cavity, when measured in the             suturial plane is about 35.0 mm.         -   Fruit skin.—Thickness. — Considered medium in thickness, and             tenacious to the flesh. Surface Texture. — Short, fine and             pubescent. The pubescence is moderately abundant. Taste. —             Non-astringent. Tendency to crack. — Not observed in the             previous years of observation, and evaluation.         -   Fruit skin color.—Blush Color. — Generally speaking, a red             blush exists on a majority of the skin of the fruit             (approximately RHS Red Group 46 B), and is more typically             present on the portions of the fruit facing the sunlight.             The blush of the fruit typically covers approximately             35%-45% of the fruit skin surface. The percentage of the             blush on the fruit skin surface can vary, and is generally             dependent upon the fruit's exposure to direct sunlight;             specific fruit maturity; and also the prevailing ecological             and cultural conditions under which the fruit was grown.         -   Ground color.—A pale yellow-white, (approximately RHS Yellow             Group 11 C). The ground color of the fruit can vary             significantly based upon the maturity of the fruit when this             measurement is taken.         -   Fruit stem.—Size. — Medium in length, approximately 6.0 to             about 8.0 millimeters. Diameter. — Approximately 2.0 to             about 3.0 millimeters. Color. — Pale yellow-green,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group N144 C).         -   Fruit flesh.—Ripening. — Considered even. Texture. — Firm,             juicy and dense. Considered firm, yet non-melting. Fibers. —             Present but not prominent. Aroma. — Slight. Eating Quality.             — Considered very good. Flavor. — Considered very sweet, and             with moderate acidity. The flavor is considered both             pleasant and balanced. Juice Production. — Moderate. Brix. —             About 15.0 to 18.0 degrees. This characteristic varies             slightly with the number of fruit per tree; the maturity of             fruit when harvested; the prevailing cultural practices; and             the ambient climatic conditions. Flesh Color. — It is             considered a yellowed white, (approximately RHS White Group             155 B). -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Considered a tight freestone.         -   Size.—It is generally considered to be of medium-small size             for the variety. The stone size varies significantly             depending upon the tree vigor, the crop load, individual             fruit size, and the prevailing growing, and cultural             conditions under which the tree was grown.         -   Length.—Average, about 29.0 to about 31.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Average, about 22.0 to about 26.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Average, about 18.0 to about 20.0 millimeters.         -   Form.—Roughly ovoid.         -   Stone base.—Shape — The stone is considered shortly             attenuate.         -   Apex.—Shape — The stone exhibits a slight but acute apex.         -   Stone surface.—Surface Texture — Considered irregularly             furrowed toward the apex. Further, more pitting exists in             the mid-portion of the stone (laterally), and is more common             toward the apex. Ridges. — Ridging is generally more             prominent, and is usually oriented parallel, and laterally             relative to the ventral and dorsal margins. Ventral Edge. —             The ventral edge is generally considered troughed, with             substantial grooves that converge apically. Dorsal Edge. —             Shape — Generally considered even. The folds of the surface             ridges appearing on the external margins often end gently             along the suture.         -   Stone color.—The color of a mature, dry stone is generally             considered a dull brown, approximately (RHS Greyed-Orange             Group 176 A).         -   Tendency to split.—Splitting has rarely been noted.         -   Kernel.—Length. — Approximately 19.0-21.0 millimeters.             Width. — Approximately 13.0-15.0 millimeters. Thickness. —             5.0-6.0 millimeters. Size. — The kernel is considered medium             in size. Further, the kernel is gelatinous, and immature             when the fruit is fully mature, and ready for harvesting and             shipment. Form. — Considered generally ovoid. Pellicle. —             Slightly pubescent. Color. — A dark tan (RHS Greyed-Orange             Group 165 B).         -   Use.—The present variety of peach tree, ‘Burpeachthirtyfive’             is considered to be a peach tree of the mid-season of             maturity, and which further produces fruit which are             considered to be firm, attractively colored, and which are             useful for both local, and long distance shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Appears excellent. The fruit of the present             variety of peach tree has stored well for periods of up to             30 days after harvest at 1.0 degree Celsius.         -   Shipping quality.—Good. The fruit of the new peach tree             variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin damage             after being subjected to normal harvesting and packing             procedures.         -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular             susceptibilities were noted. The present variety has not             been intentionally tested to expose or detect any             susceptibilities or resistances to any known plant, fruit             diseases, insect, frost, winter injury or other ambient             environmental factors. Although the new variety of peach             tree possesses the described characteristics when grown             under the ecological conditions prevailing near Fowler,             Calif., in the Central part of the San Joaquin Valley of             California, it should be understood that variations of the             usual magnitude, and characteristics incident to changes in             growing conditions, fertilization, nutrition, pruning, pest             control, frost, climatic variables and changes in             horticultural management are to be expected. 

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety of peach tree, what we claim is new, and desire to secure by plant Letters Patent is:
 1. A new distinct variety of peach tree, substantially as illustrated and described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty by producing an attractively colored white fleshed, freestone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately July 17 to July 23 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. 